Make Your Neighbors Jealous!

First impressions usually make the strongest impression and that is definitely true when it comes to a home. We have all seen those houses are that are clean and comfortable looking homes but the landscaping and "curb appeal" of the house is seriously struggling! According to http://www.houselogic.com good landscaping can add up to 28% to the overall value of a house and can cut its time on the market by 10% to 15%. According to a Clemson University study, taking it to the next level and upgrading from "good" to "excellent" landscaping can add 6% to 7% to a home's value.

So just what do you need to do?

1) First place to look at is your yard. Is it full of dandelions and other weeds? Get your yard healthy and green by fertilizing spring and fall and control those unwanted weeds like dandelions with an herbicide like Trimec (be sure to follow all specified instructions or hire a professional).

2) What trees are in your yard or around your home? Maybe plant a few spring blooming trees and something else that will add some brilliant color in the fall when the leaves change.

3) Accent lighting is an amazing way to really make your home "pop out" at night. Go to your nearest store that sells solar landscaping lights. Place them throughout the front of your home in the landscaping and it will really make your home stand out at night.

4) Annuals or perennials? Perennials will come back each year, hopefully, and annuals will only last for that growing season. Whichever way you prefer to go make sure you really concentrate on watering them the first few weeks after planting. However, don't just forget about them after that. Make sure you keep watering them throughout the hot summer months.

5) Mulch or rock? Rock will be a greater initial investment but will last longer. Mulch tends to blow away and disappear, thus needing replaced more often. It also depends on what look you are going for. Some homes look better with mulch and some look better with different types of rock.

No matter what phase you are in on home ownership, good or bad landscaping can make or break the value of your home. Take a nice weekend this spring and touch up your landscaping. Roll up your sleeves, go get some mulch, your favorite plants, a good shovel and get to work. If that's not your style, contact one of your landscaping specialists in your area. Either way, improving the outside of your home will make you or any potential buyer that much happier when they step inside.

Make sure before you start any work or digging to call 8-1-1 to have all your utility lines marked.